pilots
plural of pilot
pilots
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of pilot
• pistol, postil, potlis, sploit, spoilt
Source: Wiktionary
Pi"lot, n. Etym: [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i.e., he who throws the lead. See Pail, and Lead a metal.]
1. (Naut.)
Definition: One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman. Dryden.
2. Specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port, or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.
3. Figuratively: A guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.
4. An instrument for detecting the compass error.
5. The cowcatcher of a locomotive. [U.S.] Pilot balloon, a small balloon sent up in advance of a large one, to show the direction and force of the wind.
РPilot bird. (Zo̦l.) (a) A bird found near the Caribbee Islands; - - so called because its presence indicates to mariners their approach to these islands. Crabb. (b) The black-bellied plover. [Local, U.S.]
– Pilot boat, a strong, fast-sailing boat used to carry and receive pilots as they board and leave vessels.
– Pilot bread, ship biscuit.
– Pilot cloth, a coarse, stout kind of cloth for overcoats.
– Pilot engine, a locomotive going in advance of a train to make sure that the way is clear.
РPilot fish. (Zo̦l) (a) A pelagic carangoid fish (Naucrates ductor); -- so named because it is often seen in company with a shark, swimming near a ship, on account of which sailors imagine that it acts as a pilot to the shark. (b) The rudder fish (Seriola zonata).
– Pilot jack, a flag or signal hoisted by a vessel for a pilot.
– Pilot jacket, a pea jacket.
– Pilot nut (Bridge Building), a conical nut applied temporarily to the threaded end of a pin, to protect the thread and guide the pin when it is driven into a hole. Waddell.
РPilot snake (Zo̦l.) (a) A large North American snake (Coluber obsoleus). It is lustrous black, with white edges to some of the scales. Called also mountain black snake. (b) The pine snake.
РPilot whale. (Zo̦l.) Same as Blackfish, 1.
Pi"lot, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Piloted; p. pr. & vb. n. Piloting.] Etym: [Cf. F. piloter.]
1. To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.
2. Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties. "The art of piloting a state." Berkeley.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
29 April 2024
(noun) a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate
International Coffee Day (September 29) is an occasion to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events occurring in places across the world. A day to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the coffee growers’ plight. Other countries celebrate this event on October 1.
